Barrett rushed back into All Blacks

The All Blacks have recalled first five Beauden Barrett into the squad for next week's test against Argentina with Lima Sopoaga remaining home to await the birth of his first child.

The All Blacks leave for Argentina on Friday night ahead of next weekend's test in Buenos Aires.

Barrett was one of the six players left out of the 28-man squad for the clash against the Pumas who are expected to join the side in South Africa for their final clash in Cape Town the following week.

Lima Sopoaga Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Sopoaga, who has moved into the backup spot behind Barrett following Aaron Cruden's move to France, was in line to start the test against the Pumas, with utility back Damian McKenzie the only other candidate for the pivotal role.

Meanwhile utility back Israel Dagg has been ruled out for the rest of the season but does not require surgery on a troubling knee injury.

Dagg sustained the problem during the Super Rugby season, forcing him to miss several weeks of the Canterbury Crusaders' march to an eighth title but had returned for the All Blacks.

Israel Dagg injured playing against the Reds.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

He missed the first two Rugby Championship matches against Australia due to the injury but started against Argentina earlier this month in New Plymouth before it flared up again.

"Izzy Dagg will rest and rehab his knee for the rest of the year..." the All Blacks said on their verified Twitter account on Friday. "No need for surgery."

The All Blacks lead the Rugby Championship on 19 points after four successive victories and can clinch the title with a game to spare with victory against the Pumas.